Who Should Be on the Madden 26 Cover? Our Top 5 Picks
Who Will Be On The Cover of Madden 26? Electronic Expressions Inc. and EA SPORTS revealed the first glimpse of the Madden NFL 26 cover on Monday, highlighting Hawks All-Pro running back Saquon Barkley.
This is, as it were, the moment in time that a Hawks player has been imagined on the cover, joining Falcons Lobby of Popularity quarterback Donovan McNabb, who graced the front of the 2006 edition.
Starring on the cover of Infuriate NFL 26 and being named to the Anger NFL 99 Club are both dreams come genuine, said Barkley. I'm thankful to my partners, coaches, and Hawks fans for their support, and I can't wait to hit the field once more to allow Infuriate players more highlight-reel minutes in Infuriate NFL 26.
Saquon's invert jump was one of the uncommon, characterizing minutes in NFL history that would have once been portrayed as 'something out of a video game'," said Evan Dexter, VP, Establishment Methodology & Promoting, EA SPORTS Infuriate NFL.
Who Will Be On The Cover of Madden 26?
Now, it's a show of the physicality and inventiveness of one of football's most energizing competitors. Infuriate NFL 26 will convey the most genuine NFL involvement we've ever built so that players can encounter more of the stunning minutes that Saquon put on show all season long. The full uncover is this Wednesday—do not miss what's next.
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In addition to being spotlighted on the cover, Barkley is the first player in Hawks history to connect to the elite Anger 99 Club, the most noteworthy general rating a player can gain in the game.
Two other Falcons (kicker Davis Akers in Anger NFL 06 and Master Football Lobby of Acclaim security Brian Dawkins in Infuriate NFL 04) were already individuals of the Anger 99 Club.
Six Falcons hostile players earlier to Barkley produced a general rating of at least 97: Path Johnson (98, Incense NFL 24), Evan Mathis (98, Infuriate NFL 15), Terrell Owens (98, Infuriate NFL 06), LeSean McCoy (97, Incense NFL 15), Brian Westbrook (97, Anger NFL 09), and McNabb (97, Incense NFL 06).
Top 5 Best Madden 26 Cover Athlete for 2025
1. Patrick Mahomes – Kansas City Chiefs, QB
Why he deserves it: You can’t talk about today’s NFL without mentioning Patrick Mahomes. With two Super Bowl wins, multiple MVPs, and a highlight reel that seems endless, Mahomes continues to redefine the quarterback position. He already shared the cover with Tom Brady for Madden 22, but if any player deserves a solo return, it’s him.
What makes him special: His no-look passes, off-schedule throws, and ability to turn broken plays into touchdowns make him a human cheat code, something Madden tries to simulate every year. If EA Sports wants a safe pick that fans will rally around, Mahomes is that guy. Cover Potential: High. He’s the face of the NFL and already a household name across sports and gaming.
2. Christian McCaffrey – San Francisco 49ers, RB
Why he deserves it: After years of injuries, CMC bounced back in a big way. He was a huge part of the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl and led the league in scrimmage yards. He’s a dual-threat monster—racking up yards both on the ground and through the air.
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What makes him special: Not many running backs today can line up in the slot and run crisp routes like a wide receiver. McCaffrey is explosive, versatile, and exciting to watch—exactly the kind of player fans want to use in Madden 26 Cover. Cover Potential: Strong. He brings that old-school running back appeal with a modern twist, plus a loyal fanbase.
3. CeeDee Lamb – Dallas Cowboys, WR
Why he deserves it: CeeDee Lamb took his game to new heights last season. He finished as one of the league’s top receivers in receptions, yards, and touchdowns. With the spotlight always on the Dallas Cowboys, Lamb rose to the occasion time and again.
What makes him special: Route running, hands, and the ability to make big plays after the catch. He’s the full package. Madden loves flashy offensive players, and Lamb checks all the boxes—with some of the cleanest footwork in the league.
Cover Potential: High. The Cowboys always bring attention, and Lamb’s breakout season puts him in prime position.
4. T.J. Watt – Pittsburgh Steelers, EDGE
Why he deserves it: Defensive players don’t get enough Madden 26 Cover. That’s a shame because T.J. Watt is a one-man wrecking crew. He’s been among the league leaders in sacks for years and was the 2021 Defensive Player of the Year.
What makes him special: Watt has a motor that never quits. He can beat you with speed, power, or technique. Plus, he’s a true leader for the Steelers—just like his brother J.J. was in Houston. Cover Potential: Moderate to high. EA Sports might want to mix it up with a defensive star, and Watt has the star power to pull it off.
5. Joe Burrow – Cincinnati Bengals, QB
Why he deserves it: Joe Burrow has the swagger, skill, and clutch gene that fans love. When healthy, he’s one of the coolest customers in the pocket. He’s led the Bengals to deep playoff runs and has built one of the league’s strongest QB-WR connections with Ja'Marr Chase.
What makes him special: Accuracy, poise under pressure, and leadership. He’s also one of the few QBs who can match Mahomes in a shootout. With a clean bill of health heading into 2025, Burrow is primed for a monster season. Cover Potential: Strong. He has that "it" factor—cool, confident, and a media favorite.
Conclusion
Who Will Be On The Cover of Madden 26? Picking the next Madden 26 Cover star is always a fun mix of speculation, stats, and fandom.
Whether it ends up being a quarterback, a receiver, or a defensive monster, Madden 26 is shaping up to have no shortage of worthy candidates. Who would you like to see on the cover? Let us know your pick in the comments, and get ready for what should be another exciting season of NFL action—and Madden gaming.
